Jaguars agree to trade OL Eugene Monroe to Ravens

Oct. 2, 2013
|

Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Eugene Monroe (75) takes the field before the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. / Dave Martin, AP

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

The winless Jacksonville Jaguars made a move for the future Tuesday by agreeing to trade left tackle Eugene Monroe to the Baltimore Ravens, a person informed with the deal told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade has not been finalized.

The Jaguars are expected to receive multiple late-round draft picks in exchange for Monroe.

Monroe will need to pass a physical with the Ravens before the deal becomes official.

"It was shocking news," Monroe told the Associated Press. "It came out of nowhere for me. I'm just preparing to make the move. It's a fresh start."

The Ravens will pay Monroe the balance of the final year of contract with his rookie contract with the Jaguars. He is scheduled to make $3.8 million this season, and should quickly supplant veteran Bryant McKinnie at left tackle.

McKinnie re-signed with the Ravens in the offseason but has not played particularly well through the first month of the season, as quarterback Joe Flacco has been sacked 12 times in four games.

McKinnie was involved in the headline-grabbing party-bus incident after a Week 3 victory. McKinnie had gathered friends and teammates to celebrate his birthday when things got out of hand and police were called about an alleged assault involving a man and a woman. No charges were filed.

Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones insisted there was no assault, but he apologized for being "in the wrong place at the wrong time." Those involved were publicly chastised by coach John Harbaugh.

On Monday, after a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Harbaugh was critical of the play of the entire offensive line.

"No one is more disappointed than they are right now. We've got to run block better, and we've got to pass block better," Harbaugh said.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, can move forward with their plan to play No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel at left tackle. He has played right tackle since arriving in Jacksonville in April.